The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated "The West Coast Times.” FRIDAY, JULY 8th., 1921. THE DUTY AND DIGNITY OF CITIZENSHIP.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated "The West Coast Times.” FRIDAY, JULY Bth., 1921. THE DUTY AND DIGNITY OF CITIZENSHIP.

Tc he a Roman citizen wins once the I i'0,..l burst of the ancients. Citizenship in this day and generation/ is more honorable and comfortable than in the brave days of old. but iL would appear we hardly value or apprise our citizenship at its true worth. The Roman citizen was a person of great dignity and lie conformed to the duties ol his station with zeal and application. \\,, may justly he more proud of our citizenship in these democratic times when we have wider personal privileges and greater opportunities-to enjoy the liberty and freedom of modern days. As a rule we take it all as a lucre matter of course, rarely mindful of how our freedom and liberty were won and are maintained. Wo owe it to our national greatness, in the first place, that our opportunity for citizenship is so material. v We should see to it therefore, that above all, our nation should ho upheld hv faithful and loyal services on our part as far as the requirements of tlie State demand. That -duty discharged. \vt? shsill dignity our citizenship hv the value of our services. Next to the nation—in this instance the British Empire—we have ourselves. This embraces the personal service of a citizen in his activities for the public weal. After all, with all our democratic privileges we are a great commonwealth. the success of which depends upon the loyal and faithful service of the integral members. Just as the Homan citizen served his country with great pleasure and pride for the material benefits conferred, so to-day no less is there the same call for unity of service in the peasurable duty of assisting to make the world a little better round about us. To bring the issue of this service nearer home, lot us remind ourselves as often as we can. wllat duty wo owe to our town to see it well established and well managed. I.et us support the local authority in every way with loyal service. Take a. pride in the welfare of all about ns, and help where we can to prosper and improve the town. Where already there are associs itions of people to promote the public welfare, give willing help and assist in safe-guarding th 0 public property, in which after all, we are part owners. Now and again there are reports of vandalism about the streets or reserves. This spirit of destruction wo should help nip in the bud. The rising veneration who in the near future Will |,p the managers of the town, should be encouraged to respect public property and help to improve it by all the means in onr nower. The Beautifying Association is setting out on n laudable work,

but that body can he successful only with the good will and help of all the townspeople. The ladies and gentlemen who have associated themselves hare done so in the true spirit of citizenship. Tho.V feel they have a duty to perform, and performing it add to the dignity of citizenship. That example requires to be practiced in a wholesale' way by th<> community. It is not sufficient to leave the task only to the enthusiasts. All the folk- Voung and old alike—participators in the pleasure to he derived by adding to the amenities of tlie town, and the reward being equal, the sacrifice should bo on proportionate lines. A very litil 0 effort by all, and much can he accomplished'. It is necessary in the first instance to discountenance and suppress all acts of vandalism, and supplant it with a spirit which displays Interest and enthusiasm in tiq, town's progress. It is open for all to help, and if the greater share comes from the rising generation, so much the better as such a spirit will ensure more than anything that true citizenship which is the best service which can be rendered the town.